Being successful, requires several factors: hard work, knowledge, resources, and focus. Luck, strong connections, and self-belief also come into play. We accomplish our goals only in incremental steps, putting one foot in front of the other and taking it day by day. Here I offer five habits of successful people, they are also five ways to improve your productivity and to get ahead. Let’s start by getting up a hour earlier. Let’s go!

GET UP AN HOUR EARLIER THAN YOU CURRENTLY DO

While early risers have a leg up on those of us who don’t, we can still be productive while they are sleeping. Let’s start by getting up an hour earlier that you currently do. Some studies are starting to show that willpower and attention span are strongest in the morning, so getting up early can lead to improved productivity. Benjamin Franklin, an American hero, used to say “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” And he was one of the most productive people in American history.

LEMON JUICE MIXED IN A GLASS OF WATER

Experts say to drink a glass of water with lemon juice. They say that drinking a combination of lemon juice and water first thing in the morning jump-starts the body’s metabolism. Your body’s cells get a wakeup call and boost, and this kind of drink keeps them moving throughout the morning hours.

Your coffee is brewed then you decide to look at your email quickly or open up one of your twenty social media accounts. Don’t do it. This is an easy way to plan the day ahead. We’ve all been there. You see a Facebook post from a friend, she’s pissy about some political issue and the heated discussion pulls you in across multiple social media accounts. Before you know it, bang! An hour has passed, you’re angry with lawmakers and idiot politicians and are wasting your morning. You hurry out the door so as not to be late for work, unprepared and unexcited for the day ahead.

WE HAVE TO EXERCISE, EVERYDAY, EVERY WEEK, EVERY YEAR

Exercise is a key, you can do it in the morning, afternoon, or evening, and your timing may not be for everyone. Some people like to exercise after work or at night. Your choice, but it has to get done. Physical fitness experts and trainers often suggest some form of exercise in the morning because the middle of the day is a busy time for most people. By the day’s end, you may not have the time or energy to exercise. Everyone gets off work and says, “I’m too tired to exercise! I’ll do it tomorrow.”

Visualization is where this starts, take time at the end of the day and early in the morning think back on that day, and the day to come. It will help you to prepare for your future if you take a few minutes to think about what you need to do the next day. Also, know that your day will probably change. You probably won’t have time to do everything you planned. But that’s fine. If you did one thing, that means you are one step closer in reaching one of your goals.